Before an appeal is lodged, we will firstly go through an extensive due diligence process to ensure that an appeal will only result in a reduction in liability. As a matter of policy, Ridley Thaw never take risks with your rates liability which would result in your liability increasing.

Once we have confirmed that an appeal is appropriate, the following sequence will be undertaken:

• Lodging relevant appeals where appropriate
• Calculation of liabilities whether past, current or future
• Property survey to collate relevant information and assess sites operational difficulties
• Confirmation and analysis of the assessment adopted by the Valuation Office
• Preparation of valuations to be used in negotiations.
• Negotiation with the Valuation Officer in an attempt to settle the appeals by agreement

Once the appeal is settled, we will forward a comprehensive report indicating the rates savings achieved to date and the likely savings over the next 5 years, where applicable.

Should we fail to reach agreement with the Valuation Office prior to the Valuation Tribunal Hearing, we will represent you at a Valuation Tribunal and if necessary to appear as an expert witness in an appeal to the Lands Tribunal.

• Business Rates Audit & Forensic Accounting
• Material Changes in Circumstance(MCC) appeal